A young mother’s death from cancer prompted 50 men from the Murco Milford Haven Refinery to grow ‘Movember’ moustaches to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

The mass moustache-growing collaboration was instigated by Chris Lowe, a maintenance technician in the Refinery’s maintenance department.

He said 31-year-old Kelly Stocks, a mother of two young children who passed away in October, was the inspiration.

Although Movember aims to raise funds for men’s health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, it also raises awareness of all forms of cancer.

“So many of us have a family member or friend who has suffered from, or is suffering with cancer. MacMillan is Murco’s dedicated charity so Movember was a good oppoprtunity to raise money for that charity,’’ said Chris.

“The response has been tremendous, there have been at least 50 men growing moustaches and beards.’’

With match-funding from Murco and main contractor, Mainport, the men handed over a cheque for £3,470 to the Pembrokeshire branch of MacMillan Cancer Support but with donations still coming in they are on track to raise £3,700.

Monica Vanner, vice-chair of MacMillan Cancer Support in Pembrokeshire, said the Murco fund raising initiative had been hugely appreciated. “With 1 in 3 people being diagnosed with cancer at some point, there are so many of us who will benefit from the money raised by the men here at Murco,’’ she said.